Spa with Integrated Umbrella Receptacle

ABSTRACT

A spa shell with integrated umbrella system includes a spa shell portion for containing a liquid and having a receptacle formed in a wall of the spa shell. An umbrella system is removably interfaced into the receptacle. The umbrella system includes a mast that is removably interfaced to the receptacle and an umbrella portion that is interfaced to the mast. The spa shell provides ballast to the mast and to the umbrella portion of the umbrella system.

FIELD

This invention relates to the field of pools, spas, and hot tubs andmore particularly to a spa with an integrated umbrella receptacle forholding and supporting an umbrella system.

BACKGROUND

Many people enjoy hot tubs or spas for relaxation, and possibly forrehabilitation. A spa or hot tub is generally a small swimming pool thatcontains water into which a person(s) submerges part or all of theirbody. There are many shapes and sizes of such spas and many featuressuch as controls, jets for emitting water towards those who are withinthe water within the spa, waterfalls, etc.

Indifferent to the size, shape, and features of such existing spas, whena spa is located in a location that is exposed to the sun duringdaylight hours, the users of such spas are exposed to sunlight. As usersoften stay in the spa for hours, this exposure to sunlight for such longperiods of time create a risk of sunburn, as it is not desirable to wearsunscreen in the water as it will contaminate and discolor the water andpossibly cause filter and/or plumbing issues within the spa. Further,limiting exposure to the sun is recommended, especially for those withfair skin. Existing spas do not provide a way to block any amount ofsunlight during daylight hours.

Further, those spas that are exposed to sunlight during the daytime arealso exposed to the elements at any time, for example when it rains,hails, sleets, snows, etc. Although the occupants of the spa are wetfrom the water within the spa, it is often uncomfortable to haveprecipitation fall onto the head of the occupants.

Another issue with existing spas relates to entry and exiting to/fromthe spa. Often, the molded interior shape of the spa shell includes astep-like feature that is used to exit from the water within the spa.Being that the wall height of a typical spa is often two to three feethigh, once a user of the spa climbs up this step within the spa shell,they must extend a leg over the spa shell wall and onto the groundsurface that is maybe two to three feet below where the user isstanding. This creates a high level of imbalance, leaning the user awayfrom the spa. Such imbalance is especially dangerous as the groundsurface onto which the user steps is typically painted wood or tile thatgets slippery when it is wet.

Still yet another issue with existing spas relates to the enjoyment offood and beverage while one is within the water within the spa. Manypeople enjoy a beverage such as beer, wine, water, coffee, etc., whilesitting in the water within the spa. Many existing spas provide one ormore cup holders on upper edge of the spa shell and often offer no placeto rest a bag of chips, a bowl of fruit, a plate of cheese, etc. Beingthat the cup holders are on the upper edge of such spa shells and theusers typically sit with their backs toward the upper edge of the spashells, the cup holders are located substantially behind the users. Itis often difficult to twist around and retrieve a drink that is locatedbehind the user, adding to the danger of slipping and hitting one's headin the spa. Further, locating the drink near and behind the userincreases the risk of the drink getting knocked out of the cup holders.

If the spa is not heavily occupied by many users, one often makes use ofa distant cup holder, perhaps on the opposite side of the spa shell.This reduces the risk of knocking over the drink/cup, but requires thatthe user maneuver across the spa to retrieve the drink, adding to thedanger of slipping and hitting one's head . . . .

What is needed is a spa design that includes an umbrella holder toreduce exposure of spa occupants to sunlight during daylight hours.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, spa shell with integrated umbrella holder isdisclosed including a spa shell portion for containing a liquid and areceptacle for accepting a mast of an umbrella system. The receptacle isformed in a wall of the spa shell, thereby providing support and ballastto the mast of the umbrella system.

In another embodiment, a method of shading and covering a spa isdisclosed including providing a receptacle formed in a spa shell andinserting a mast of an umbrella system into the receptacle. The mast iscoupled to an umbrella portion of the umbrella system. Raising theumbrella portion, thereby allowing entry into water within the spa shelland deploying the umbrella portion, thereby shading at least a portionof the spa.

In another embodiment, a spa shell with integrated umbrella system isdisclosed including a spa shell portion for containing a liquid andhaving a receptacle formed in a wall of the spa shell. An umbrellasystem is removably interfaced into the receptacle. The umbrella systemincludes a mast that is removably interfaced to the receptacle and anumbrella portion that is interfaced to the mast. The spa shell providesballast to the mast and to the umbrella portion of the umbrella system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill inthe art by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a new spa with an integratedumbrella.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the new spa with the integratedumbrella showing the umbrella used as the spa cover.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the new spa with the integratedumbrella showing the umbrella mounting.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a new spa with an integratedfolding table in a retracted position.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the new spa with the integratedfolding table in an extended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description,the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

Throughout this description, the term spa is used as a convenient namefor a water-holding vessel into which one or more users place theirbodies for rest, relaxation, enjoyment, rehabilitation, etc. Therefore,a term spa represents any such vessel, including those that are referredto as hot tubs, swim spas, etc.

Further, the liquid that is contained within the spa is often referredto as water, though it is well known that this liquid often includesmore materials other than water (H2O) such as salt, clarifiers,sanitizers, etc.

Many spas are located in areas that are unprotected from the elementsand, therefore, are exposed to weather and sunlight. It is well knownthat exposure to sunlight for long periods of time presents risks ofsunburn and, in some cases, skin cancer. Although using sunscreen isoften advised when one is exposed to the rays of the sun for lengths oftime, sunscreen is often not desired when in a spa, as the sunscreenexits the user's body and enters the water, leading to water clarityissues, filter clogs, loss of protection from the sun, etc. Further,when such spas are exposed (in the open), it becomes less desirable touse the spa during precipitation (e.g. rain, snow, hail, sleet, etc.).

One solution to this issue is to place an umbrella stand next to the spato provide shade and protection from precipitation. This is effectivefor a portion of the spa, especially the corner over which the umbrellacovers, but typically will not cover the entire spa. Further, it isdifficult to place such an umbrella close to the spa, as such umbrellasrequire a large base that serves as a weighted ballast to keep theumbrella upright.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, perspective views of a new spa 10 withan umbrella system 50 integrated into a spa shell 12 of the new spa 10are shown. Although many sizes, shapes, and styles of umbrella systems50 are anticipated, the umbrella system 50 used as an example has anumbrella portion 52 that is shaped similar to an outline of the new spa10 (e.g. if the new spa 10 has a substantially square rim, the umbrellaportion 52 also has a substantially square outline as shown). This isdesirable to equally shade the entire new spa 10, though not required asan umbrella portion 52 that is round will also provide shade to manyareas of the new spa 10.

The umbrella portion 52 of the umbrella system 50 is supported by a boomarm 54 that, in this example, is interfaced to the spa shell 12 by amast 58 and linkages 55/56/57/59 that provide structure andadjustability in both height of the umbrella portion 52 and/or tilt ofthe umbrella portion 52, as it is often desired to tilt the umbrellaportion when the sun is not directly above or precipitation is directedat an angle instead of straight down.

The spa shell 12 of the new spa 10 includes an integrated umbrellaholder that includes a receptacle 14 into which a mast 58 is inserted.In a preferred embodiment, the mast 58 is removable from the receptacleas it is often desired to store the umbrella portion 52 during badweather or to exchange the umbrella portions 52 as the umbrella portion52 ages or for decorative reasons. As the new spa 10 often containssubstantial amounts of water (e.g. typically one hundred to five hundredgallons) having considerable weight (e.g. 800 pounds to 4000 pounds),the spa provides sufficient ballast so as to not allow the umbrellasystem 50 to tip over. In such, the receptacle 14 relays the ballastfrom the water to the umbrella system 50, maintaining the mast 58 in anupright, preferably vertical position, though there is no requirementthat the mast 58 be vertical.

The receptacle 14 is shown in an upper edge 13 of the spa shell 12,though there is no limitation as to the location of the receptacle 14 asit is fully anticipated that the receptacle 14 be located on an outerside of the spa shell, at any location along the upper edge 13 of thespa shell 12, or, even within the containment area of the spa shell 12.In the later, it is anticipated that the water containment area of thespa shell 12 include the receptacle 14 at a location beneath where wateris filled into the new spa 10 and, therefore, the mast 58 will extendupwards out of the water when the new spa 10 is filled with water. Inthis embodiment, it is anticipated that the umbrella system 50 be of acentral-mast type (e.g. for example those that are used as beachumbrellas) and the mast 58 be made of a material that is compatible withthe water within the new spa 10, including sanitizing chemicals, etc.

As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, when the umbrella portion 52 isof a shape and size that is similar or slightly larger than the outerrim of the spa shell 12, the umbrella portion 52 doubles as a spa coverwhen the umbrella portion 52 is lowered to rest upon and interface withthe upper edge 13 of the spa shell 12. Many spas have a separate coverthat is taken off and stored while using the spa and returned to coverthe spa when not in use to prevent thermal loss and to maintain waterquality/cleanliness. Such covers are typically large and difficult tomaneuver and stow, making the spa experience less enjoyable anddifficult for those with mobility issues.

When the umbrella portion 52 rests on the upper edge 13 of the spa shell12, the umbrella portion 52 provides a cover for the new spa 10 thatmaintains water temperature, reduces evaporation, and reducesintroduction of foreign objects into the new spa 10 (e.g. leaves,insects, airborne sand/dirt, etc.). The umbrella portion 52 islowered/raised in any way known in the art of umbrellas, hence it isanticipated that in some embodiments, a mechanism that includes a cranksystem is included to lower/raise the umbrella portion 52 with minimaleffort and such provides access to some users who would have haddifficulty removing/replacing prior spa covers due to various mobilityissues.

Also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are the optional stair system 30 with steps32/34 and railing 40. Although optional, the stair system 30 isdescribed in more detail along with FIGS. 4 and 5.

Also shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 is the optional folding table 48 with thefurther optional integrated cooler that is located beneath the coolercover 60. Although optional, the folding table 48 and integrated coolerlocated beneath the cooler cover 60 are described in more detail alongwith FIGS. 4 and 5 described in more detail along with FIGS. 4 and 5.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 perspective view of a new spa 10 with afolding table 48 that is integrated into the spa shell 12 are shown in aretracted position in FIG. 3 and in an extended position in FIG. 4.

As discussed, an issue with existing spas relates to the enjoyment offood and beverage while one is within the water within the prior artspa. Many people enjoy a beverage such as beer, wine, water, coffee,etc., while sitting in the water within the spa. Many existing spasprovide one or more cup holders on an upper edge of the spa shell andoften offer no place to rest a bag of chips, a bowl of fruit, a plate ofcheese, etc. Being that the cup holders are on the upper edge of suchprior art spa shells and the users typically sit with their backs towardthe upper edge of those cup holders, the cup holders are locatedsubstantially behind the users. It is often difficult to twist aroundand retrieve a drink that is located behind the user, adding to thedanger of slipping and hitting one's head in the prior art spa. Further,locating the drink near and behind the user increases the risk of thedrink getting knocked out of the cup holders.

The new spa 10 provides a folding table 48 that is shown in a retractedposition in FIG. 4 and in an extended position in FIG. 5. The foldingtable 48 is hingedly connected to the spa shell at an upper insidelocation so that when the folding table 48 is extended, the foldingtable is substantially horizontal and positioned above the surface ofthe water in the new spa 10. In the retracted position as shown in FIG.4, the folding table 48 is rotated downward so as to not be in the wayof users of the new spa 10, allowing for improved access. In theextended position as shown in FIG. 5, various objects are anticipated tobe placed on the surface of the table 48 (e.g. drinks, bowls, plates,communication devices, music players, etc.). Although there are manyways to maintain the extended position of the table 48, in someembodiments, one or more supports 51 provide an angled support toprovide stability to the table 48, though other locking mechanisms areequally anticipated such as detents or locking hinge assemblies.

To further improve the dining and/or beverage experience of the new spa10, in some embodiments, an insulated compartment or cooler is providedbeneath the cooler cover 60 that hingedly opens as in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5.This compartment is thermally insulated from water within the new spa10, being that the insulated compartment is typically provisioned with acooling substance such as ice, dry ice, icepacks, etc.

As previously discussed, entry and exiting to/from the prior-art spa isoften difficult due to the height of the prior-art spa shell. Often, themolded interior shape of the spa shell includes a step-like feature thatis used to exit from the water within the prior art spa. The wall heightof a typical prior-art spa is often two to three feet high, once a userof the spa climbs up this step within the spa shell, they must extend aleg over the spa shell wall and onto the ground surface that is maybetwo to three feet below where the user is standing. This creates a highlevel of imbalance, leaning the user away from the prior art spa. Suchimbalance is especially dangerous as the ground surface onto which theuser steps is typically painted wood or tile that gets slippery when itis wet.

In some embodiments, the new spa 10 includes a stair system 30 that isintegrated into or connected to the new spa 10 for use when entering andexiting the new spa 10. The stair system 30 is formed as part of orattached to the spa shell 12 and, therefore, does not separate from thespa shell 12 as a user is utilizing the stair system 30. Although shownwith a lower step 32 and an upper step 34, any number of steps isanticipated. In some embodiments, a railing 40 is included for safetyreasons. Although the optional railing 40 is shown of a particular sizeand shape, there is no limitation as to the location, size, shape,contour, etc., of the optional railing 40.

Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above suchthat they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially thesame way for achieving substantially the same result.

It is believed that the system and method as described and many of itsattendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. Itis also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may bemade in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereofwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or withoutsacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein beforedescribed being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. Itis the intention of the following claims to encompass and include suchchanges.

1. A spa with integrated umbrella holder, the spa comprising: a spashell portion for containing a liquid; and a receptacle for accepting amast of an umbrella system, the receptacle formed in a wall of the spashell, thereby providing support and ballast to the mast of the umbrellasystem; whereas the mast of the umbrella system comprises triangularlinkages that provide structure and adjustability in both height of theumbrella system and/or tilt of the umbrella system.
 2. The spa withintegrated umbrella holder of claim 1, wherein the mast of the umbrellasystem is removably inserted into the receptacle.
 3. The spa withintegrated umbrella holder of claim 1, wherein the mast of the umbrellasystem supports an umbrella portion.
 4. The spa with integrated umbrellaholder of claim 3, wherein the umbrella portion is sized and shaped tomate with an upper edge of the spa shell portion.
 5. The spa withintegrated umbrella holder of claim 4, wherein the mast includes amechanism for lowering and raising the umbrella portion and, when theumbrella portion is lowered, the umbrella portion serves as a cover forthe spa.
 6. The spa with integrated umbrella holder of claim 1, furthercomprising an integrated stair system for entering and exiting the spa,the integrated stair system molded with the spa shell portion and theintegrated stair system juts away from an outside wall of the spa shellportion.
 7. The spa with integrated umbrella holder of claim 6, furthercomprising a railing interfaced to the integrated stair system.
 8. Thespa with integrated umbrella holder of claim 1, further comprising anintegrated folding table directly connected to a hinge, the hingedirectly connected to an upper surface of an inside wall of the spashell portion such that the table hinges downwardly.
 9. A method ofshading and covering a spa, the method comprising: providing areceptacle formed in a spa shell, the spa shell including an integratedstair system molded with the spa shell, the integrated stair system jutsaway from an outside wall of the spa shell; inserting a mast of anumbrella system into the receptacle, the mast coupled to an umbrellaportion of the umbrella system; raising the umbrella portion, therebyallowing entry into water within the spa shell; and deploying theumbrella portion, thereby shading at least a portion of the spa.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the receptacle is formed as part of the spashell and, therefore, the spa shell provides ballast for the mast andumbrella portion.
 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising the stepof: lowering the umbrella portion until the umbrella portion rests uponan upper edge of the spa shell, thereby covering the spa to reduce andreduce contamination of the water within the spa shell.
 12. A spa withintegrated umbrella system, the spa comprising: a spa shell portion forcontaining a liquid; a receptacle formed in a wall of the spa shellportion; an umbrella system removably interfaced into the receptacle,the umbrella system comprising a mast that is removably interfaced tothe receptacle and an umbrella portion that is interfaced to the mast,the spa shell portion provides ballast to the mast and the umbrellaportion of the umbrella system; and an integrated stair system forentering and exiting the spa, the integrated stair system molded withthe spa shell portion and the integrated stair system juts away from anoutside wall of the spa shell portion.
 13. The spa with integratedumbrella holder of claim 12, wherein the umbrella portion is sized andshaped to mate with an upper edge of the spa shell portion.
 14. The spawith integrated umbrella holder of claim 13, wherein the mast includes amechanism for lowering and raising the umbrella portion and, when theumbrella portion is lowered, the umbrella portion serves as a cover forthe spa.
 15. (canceled)
 16. The spa with integrated umbrella holder ofclaim 12, further comprising a railing interfaced to the integratedstair system.
 17. The spa with integrated umbrella holder of claim 12,further comprising an integrated folding table directly connected to ahinge, the hinge directly connected to an upper surface of an insidewall of the spa shell portion such that the table hinges downwardly.